Lawrence W. Shaw, MD | The SHAW Center | Scottsdale | Arizona

There are many products and treatments available when it comes to reducing the visible signs of aging, but there is nothing quite like Sculptra® aesthetic.
Referred to by some physicians as "Face lift in a bottle", Sculptra® aesthetic represents a new and unique, minimally invasive option that helps facial skin regain a more youthful and natural-looking appearance. More than 150,000 people in over 30 countries worldwide have been treated with Sculptra® aesthetic.Over time, our skin loses collagen and fat, reducing its full, firm, youthful appearance. It becomes loose and starts to wrinkle. This reduction in tissue volume can make cheeks and eyes appear sunken, making us look older than we are. Injectable Sculptra® aesthetic can help regain a firm texture and restore lost volume by promoting production of your body’s natural collagen in the treated areas.
Sculptra® aesthetic is a safe, synthetic, and biocompatible material that is injected below the surface of the skin to correct the effects of fat loss (lipoatrophy). Sculptra® aesthetic is particularly suited to treating the lower face and differs from conventional line fillers by providing more of a lifting, volumizing result.
Without surgery, sunken skin and wrinkles can be significantly reduced by restoring facial contours. This process of natural-restructuring of the skin continues long after the course of treatment has been completed.

Sculptra provides a gradual and significant increase in skin thickness, improving the appearance of folds and sunken areas. Volume effects have persisted in numerous patients for over 3 years.Dr. Shaw and his staff have each been injecting facial fillers for over 20 years each which is very hard to find.

Sunken cheeks, temple indentations, and hollows under the eyes regain lost volume over time by Sculptra's ability to promote production of your body's natural collagen in the treated areas. This process of natural-restructure of the skin continues long after the course of treatment has been completed.

Sculptra has been in use since 1999 (first under the trade name New-Fill in Europe) for a variety of facial volume and contour deficiencies. In 2004, the product was approved in the United States for large-volume corrections of the signs of lipoatrophy (facial fat loss) and was subsequently approved for restoring volume for cosmetic purposes.
Safety Information

Because the main component in Sculptra, poly-L-lactic acid, is a polymer synthetically derived from natural components and is a biocompatible substance (does not harm the body), there is no need to test for allergic reactions. Poly-L-lactic acid has been used in surgical products for more than 20 years.

Sculptra is the "patient" patient's ideal restoration procedure. Since it takes time for your body to manufacture new collagen, the results can not be instant. But patience has rewards because the new volume is that of your own tissue. Sculptra injections can be more globally injected in the face, thereby providing even, soft, natural collagen layers that "age with you."As with all injectable fillers, technique is a vital component in delivering the best potential outcome. For this reason, aware patients will choose a dermatologist or surgeon who has the special required knowledge of anatomy and extensive experience.

Frequently Asked Questions - Sculptra

How much does Sculptra Aesthetic cost?
There are a few factors that figure into how much treatment with Sculptra Aesthetic will cost. Some of these include:◦ — How many treatment sessions are needed◦ — How much Sculptra Aesthetic (number of vials) Dr. Shaw recommends per treatment◦ — The degree of correction you and Dr. Shaw decide upon◦ — Discounts and special offers

Due to these factors and especially because Scultpra Aesthetic treatments are tailored to individual patients, cost will vary from person to person.

How does the price of Sculptra Aesthetic compare with other anti-aging treatments?
Comparing the cost of facial rejuvenation options to each other can be challenging because so much depends on desired results, the amount of product your doctor recommends, your response to the treatment, the amount of time results last, and your specific physician’s fees.
A treatment that lasts up to 3 to 6 months may cost less up front than one that lasts much longer, yet generally require additional treatment sessions to maintain the effect for the same duration. You may want to consider the total cost over time.
When comparing the price of Sculptra Aesthetic to other injectables, it can be helpful to weigh cost against treatment duration. Of course, the best way to determine how much a treatment option will cost is to talk with Dr. Shaw and discuss your needs.

Are there patient discounts, rebates, or special offers available?
Coupon or rebate programs through the manufacturer and/or the physician may be available from time to time. It’s a good idea to ask your physician if there’s a current discount program available at the time of your consultation.

A discussion with a physician is a great way to get more information about Sculptra Aesthetic. It’s good to start thinking about what you want to get out of your anti-aging treatment. For example, with Sculptra Aesthetic, you get a natural-looking appearance without looking like you’ve had work done. And the results can last up to 2 years. Of course, individual results may vary. Our discussion guide has questions and thought-starters so you can have a more productive conversation with your physician to help determine if Sculptra Aesthetic is right for you.

What are most women looking for in an anti-aging treatment?
According to a joint survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) and sanofi-aventis, most women prefer gradual results that can last longer versus shorter-term options. Sculptra Aesthetic is in line with what most women say they are looking for — an anti-aging treatment that works gradually with results that can last up to 2 years. Of course, individual results may vary.
* From a 2008 joint ASDS and sanoﬁ-aventis U.S. survey of consumer attitudes around medical anti-aging treatments for the face conducted with 383 women 35 to 69 years of age who are considering medical anti-aging treatment (MAT) within the next 2 years.

Is Sculptra Aesthetic safe? Are there any side effects?
Sculptra Aesthetic is FDA approved in the United States and has been used worldwide since 1999. Sculptra Aesthetic is made of a synthetic material called poly-L-lactic acid that is absorbed naturally by the body — and has been used for years in dissolvable stitches.
Side effects reported include injection site pain, redness, bruising, bleeding, or swelling. Small bumps under the skin that can sometimes be noticeable when pressing on the treated area may also occur. Larger lumps, with or without inflammation, have also been reported. Other side effects may include the delayed development of non-visible, small bumps under the skin sometimes noticeable when pressing on the treated area.